Separating kittens from mother/Finding kittens a new home

Hi,

So my cat who is less than a year old just had a litter of 4 kittens about a month ago. I found the mother a few months ago as a cute little stray which I took in. I found out she was pregnant before I got her spayed and due to my love of kittens I didn't force an abortion. Now we have 4 adorable kittens, one of which I hope to keep, but 3 of which need new homes soon. (And yes, I'm going to get mommy spayed as soon as possible - 8 weeks right?) Anyway, are there any steps I should take in order to get them used to being separated from their mother when I give them away? 

Another question:

What is the best way to find kittens a new home?

I've asked my friends and family but it's like everyone has a family member that's allergic... 

Should I put up fliers? I don't intend to charge any money. I haven't gotten them their shots yet either. I hate to think about giving away these little guys (their so adorable!) but I can't keep them all. Got any tips?

Please let me know,

Sarah  

Not too soon! Kittens should stay with their mother and littermates for 10-12 weeks . If they are old enough to leave they shouldn't have a very hard time adjusting.

Yes, put up flyers everywhere you can think of. Many vet's offices have a bulletin board. Newspaper ads, online classifieds, etc. If there are any rescue groups in your area, ask if they'll list your kittens with the rest of their adoptable pets. Definitely charge at least a little. Enough to discourage bunchers (people who sell animals to research labs), snake owners and dog fighters. Probably $20 or so would be OK---it's much easier to get people to pay something if the kittens have their first shots and have been de-wormed. Ask potential adopters what happened to their previous pets, ask who their vet is, make sure they intend to spay/neuter. Having the kittens spayed/neutered before adoption would be ideal (check to see if there are any low-cost clinics in the area), but if that's not possible do something else to ensure it gets done---you don't want the babies adding to overpopulation or being dumped for sexual behaviors.

Keep in mind that it is kitten season and there are not enough homes for all the kittens born. So it may be difficult to find homes for them. Have a plan for what you'll do if they aren't placed by 4 months (which is when everybody has to be spayed/neutered or you risk pregnancies), or aren't placed at all.

Thank you so much! Great advice.